EXHIBIT 99.1
                                  ------------

                    CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
                       PURSUANT TO SECTION 18 U.S.C. 1350
                 (Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002)


In  connection with the Constellation Brands, Inc. quarterly report on Form 10-Q
for the fiscal quarter ended  May 31, 2003, I,  Richard Sands, certify  that, to
the best of my knowledge:

1.     The  quarterly  report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended  May 31,
2003  of  Constellation Brands, Inc. fully  complies  with  the  requirements of
section  13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78m or
78o(d)); and

2.     The  information  contained  in the quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the
fiscal quarter ended May 31, 2003 of Constellation Brands, Inc. fairly presents,
in all  material  respects, the financial condition and results of operations of
Constellation Brands, Inc.


Dated: July 15, 2003                     /s/ Richard Sands
                                             -----------------------------------
                                             Richard Sands,
                                             Chief Executive Officer

A  signed  original  of  this written statement required by Section 906 has been
provided  to  Constellation  Brands, Inc., and will be retained by Constellation
Brands,  Inc.,  and  furnished  to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its
staff upon request.